A three-year ban on unauthorised encampments on over 150 public parks, open spaces and car parks has been granted today.

The High Court ruled on November 8 to extend the injunction it had granted in August for an additional three years.

The injunction prevents any individual from fly tipping or occupying any of the borough’s parks, open spaces and car parks or depositing waste.

The injunction stops anyone from entering the borough’s public land for residential purposes, including caravans, mobile homes and cars.

This means the council will have the powers to remove encampments without being required to obtain court orders, which can take several days to obtain.

The order will also authorise High Court enforcement officers to move people on if they take no notice of the injunction order.

The Borough Council said it had noticed an “unprecedented increase in levels of unauthorised encampments” in the past year and a dramatic rise in the size of these encampments.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Tim Oliver said: “I am delighted that the protective injunction has been extended for three years. This will bring relief to our residents and businesses who have been impacted by the disruption throughout the summer.

“I would like to thank the Officers and Members of the Council for the hard work and diligence required to bring our case to the High Court.

“We will now carry on with the work we are doing to review the security of all of our open sites so that our communities can enjoy their surroundings, whilst continuing to closely monitor any illegal activity across the Borough.”

Superintendent Andy Rundle said: “We understand the concerns and the impact on local communities in relation to allegations of criminality and anti-social behaviour associated with some of the recent encampments.

“When there is criminality of any sort, regardless of who is involved, we will respond and take action.

“It is important to understand that police powers are very specific and prescribed and do not cover civil issues, which we know can sometimes be frustrating and confusing for our communities.”

He added: “However, in relation to recent events, we are now hopeful that with this injunction in place we can respond proactively to the concerns of local residents and reduce the negative impact of unauthorised encampments upon the local community.”